In August, The Fresno Bee published an article about water damage to the Fresno County Hall of Records caused by a contractor who accidently struck a fire suppression sprinkler in the building. According to the report, the accident resulted in approximately 7,000 gallons of water rushing into the building over 15 minutes. The end result was enough damage to temporarily close the building for three days and an estimated repair bill of $1.5 million.

Flooding caused by a broken fire suppression system or other cause can not only damage building materials, furnishing and belongings, but it can also create potential health concerns for building occupants. The presence of wet materials and elevated humidity levels can support the growth of mold in less than 48 hours if wet materials are not properly and thoroughly dried. Exposure to elevated levels of mold can trigger allergies and asthma in some people and some types of mold associated with water damaged buildings can cause infections in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system.

“In addition to mold concerns, water damage in older buildings can also lead to exposure issues due to the possible presence of lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility. “Both of these hazardous materials were commonly used in the past and demolition, repair and rebuilding efforts could aerosolize these materials if they are not identified and handled properly. During these types of events, it’s important to know what is present to protect both workers and the general public and this can be accomplished through indoor environmental testing.”

LA Testing offers mold, bacteria, lead, asbestos and other testing services associated with water damaged buildings. They even offer a wide range of easy-to-use test kits that can be accessed at www.EMSLTestKits.com.

To learn more about water damage, mold, asbestos, lead and other indoor environmental testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other substances. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.